Circle Tower, Indianapolis

The Circle Tower, located on Monument Circle in Indianapolis, is a striking 14-story high-rise celebrated for its Art Deco architecture and Egyptian-inspired motifs. Designed by Rubush & Hunter, the building was completed in 1930 and serves as a prominent feature of the Washington Street–Monument Circle Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

The building’s design reflects the era’s fascination with Egyptian art and culture, spurred by the 1922 discovery of King Tut's tomb. Notable elements include Egyptian-themed bronze grills by Joseph Willenborg, granite sculptures in the arched entryway, and intricate black-and-gold Art Deco carvings in the elevators. These features imbue the structure with a timeless grandeur that captivates visitors and residents alike.

The Circle Tower’s unique silhouette is defined by its ziggurat-like upper floors, which cleverly circumvent a 1922 city ordinance restricting building heights on Monument Circle to 108 feet (33 meters). This step-back design not only adheres to regulations but also enhances the building’s visual appeal, giving it a distinctive, tiered appearance.

Originally developed by the Tower Realty Company, the site was cleared in 1929 by demolishing several existing structures, including the State Savings and Trust, Franklin buildings, and the Starr Piano Company. The new tower boasts 111,000 square feet (10,300 square meters) of floorspace, with an ornate lobby that further underscores its architectural elegance.

Today, the Circle Tower stands as a testament to Indianapolis’s embrace of architectural innovation during the early 20th century, blending regulatory ingenuity with artistic expression to create a lasting urban landmark.